Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a contract with the Community Shelter Board (CSB) for the implementation of Bridge to Affordable Housing (B2AH). The contract will provide $150,000 from the Neighborhood Initiatives Fund for the purpose of serving families with dependent children who will most likely need Project Based Section 8 Housing to attain long-term housing stability. The CSB will subcontract with the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) to provide program services for B2AH. Many Columbus families are at risk of homelessness because they cannot sustain market-rate housing. Emergency assistance dollars are helpful, but are not a solution to long-term housing stability. Some of these families are evicted and living unstably with family or friends. Once a family has exhausted emergency assistance and/or support they are at risk of becoming homeless. The demand for emergency shelter has increased dramatically creating the need for community based solutions.
The B2AH Program would intervene with 50 of these families to offer a path to long-term housing stability. Referrals would come from the YWCA Family Center and Gladden Community House. Eligible families interested and eligible for Project Based Section 8 housing will receive support, education and resources to sustain them until they either move into a subsidized unit or have increased capacity to afford market rate housing whichever comes first. Families will be involved in the program for up to 12 months, participate in groups to increase their capacity to get and keep housing and have access to financial assistance, based on active participation, to subsidize an approved household budget.
Emergency action is requested so that the Community Shelter Board can implement these essential services as quickly as possible.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funds for this contract are allocated from the Neighborhood Initiatives Fund.
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